A Quick Guide on How to Stop Smoking

Most smokers will say, "You should tell me how to stop smoking and not why should I quit." There is no best time and right way to quit smoking. If you are planning to quit smoking, below is a guide on how to stop smoking:

1) Make a clear decision that you are quitting. You are the only who can decide for yourself if you want to quit. You must be willing to quit smoking and no one should be forcing you to do it. Think for reasons why you want to stop smoking. Here are probable reasons:

a. You are worried to acquire different kinds of health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes and cancers.

b. The health of your family members is at risk as well.

c. There are more benefits of not smoking than smoking.

2) You need to make a plan in your goal of quitting. Set a quick date. It is important that you set a date when you plan to start. Make sure that the date you will choose will not be next month: the sooner the better. If you chose a date too far, you are giving yourself room to change your mind or rationalize everything.

3) Ready your list of activities to do in case you feel like smoking. Your list could include the following:

a. Involve into sports like swimming, badminton or volleyball.

b. Plan an adventure getaway with your family.

c. Play with your dog.

d. Cook a sumptuous meal.

e. Watch a movie.

f. Eat your favorite fruit.

g. Wash your car.

4) Prepare yourself for the "quit day." Here are some suggested things to do to prepare for your quit day.

a. Choose a date and then mark it on your planner.

b. Announce to your family, friends and relatives about your plan.

c. Remove all smoking accessories such as ashtrays, lighter and of course cigarettes in your work, home or car.

d. Gradually reduce puffing cigarettes. If you puff five times a day, you can start decreasing it to four or three times a day.

e. Buy oral substitutes such as chewing gum, candies, chocolates, carrot sticks, coffee stirrers, toothpicks, straws and cinnamon sticks.

f. Practice saying, "Thank you, but I do not smoke."

g. Have a support system. There are available group programs of smokers who want to be non-smokers. There are also organizations that are willing to help you cope with your decision to quit smoking.

h. If you have attempted a number of times to quit smoking, analyze why you were not successful. List down the possible reasons. Then, think of solutions on how to avoid it from happening again.